Brockenhurst, New Forest: The ultimate guide
The New Forest is an ideal UK holiday destination for motorhome users. You are surrounded by beautiful countryside, wild animals, and plenty of things to do. Brockenhurst, recently named the most beautiful place to live, is a quaint red-brick village surrounded by the incredible New Forest National Park. The streets are lined with independent shops and are often roamed by ponies and other wildlife. The village is extremely well-connected with its own train station and accessible routes to nearby towns and cities such as Southampton and Bournemouth. The village of Brockenhurst is one of our favourite motorhome destinations in the UK and this is our ultimate guide to what to do and where to stay.
For the kids near Brockenhurst
If you’re looking at a location to take the kids this summer, Brockenhurst is ideal. There are so many things to see and places to go that are all kid friendly.
1. Paddle friendly streams
One of the absolute best things are the location are the paddle-friendly streams that mean you can take a day out with the kids and not worry at all. The best spot is just opposite the Balmer Lawn Hotel on Lyndhurst road. If the weather’s nice you can take a picnic and have a great day out in this beautiful location.
2. Outdoor activities
As well as the beautiful paddling streams there’s lots of activities to do outdoors in this location. Why not go on a search for some ancient oaks on the Tall Trees Trail during a visit to the Blackwater Arboretum (famous for its Douglas Firs)? Or, if trees are not really your thing you can go horse riding or cycling in and around the area and really explore the wonders of the forest. This is a perfect activity for the whole family and there are plenty places where you can hire bikes or go horse riding. Find out about some of the best routes on this website.
3. Museums
Whilst the outdoors is great and the best part about this location by far, we all know that the British weather can be somewhat unpredictable and it’s always important to have a rainy day plan. Within close proximity of Brockenhurst there’s the New Forest Reptile Centre, Beaulieu National Motor Museum, and Marwell Zoo (a little further afield but worth a visit).
For the adults near Brockenhurst
Whilst the location is ideal for families and there are ample activities and places to go for the whole family there’s also lots of nice restaurants and luxury attractions just for the adults too.
1. Places to eat
The area is full of great cuisine and nice restaurants to go and explore. The Pig Hotel strives to only use ingredients within 25 miles of its location and offers an exceptional, seasonal menu. It’s not to be missed.
Plus, there’s Setley Ridge farm shop and vineyard located in Brockenhurst that offers wine tastings, tours, and you can even stay there in your motorhome!
In Lymington, a short drive from Brockenhurst, there’s a lovely market every Saturday which is well worth going over to see. Get some fresh food and make a little day out of it.
2. Places to relax
The area is not short of places to relax and chill out. The Lime Wood Hotel had a beautiful spa that is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Furzey gardens is located near Lyndhurst, a short drive away, but is a beautiful 10 acre woodland with a lake, 16th Century Forest cottage, award-winning show garden and tea rooms. It is a great day out with or without the kids and it is very relaxing and calming.
3. Golf
If you’re into golf, you’re in luck because there’s a popular golf club located in Brockenhurst. Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club describes itself as ‘the premier golf club in the heart of the New Forest’. What’s not to love?
For the diary near Brockenhurst
There are ample things to do all year round in this location, there’s also some great and quirky events to consider attending.
1. The New Forest Show
The New Forest Show is an event in Brockenhurst itself every year. There’s show-jumping, tractor tug of war, local product markets, bee keeping demonstrations and so much more. It really is the event of the year in the New Forest. This year’s show is 30th July – 1st August, so get yourself down there!
2. New Forest Polo Club
Throughout the year there are free polo events that you can attend. Even if you’re not a polo fan as such (as I imagine very few people are avid polo fans), it’s a fun event for all the family with kids activities and food stalls too. If you’re there on any of the selected dates it is well worth attending.
3. Lymington Seafood festival
For all the foodies out there there’s Lymington Seafood festival (just up the road from Brockenhurst) that’s not to be missed. There’s over 300 different delicacies to be tried across the weekend and although you can’t eat them all, it’s worth spending some time here to explore the exciting and innovative artisan food. This year’s event is on the 10th and 11th August.
4. Moonlight paddle boarding
If you’re looking for something a little more active, it’s worth checking out the Moonlight paddle boarding that you can do a short drive away from Brockenhurst. If paddle boarding is something you’d like to try, why not try it under the beautiful moonlight? Other events similar to this can be found here…
For the motorhome near Brockenhurst
So, you’re sold on the location, with or without kids, but where should you take your motorhome? We have compiled a list of nearby campsites and some information about each to help you make your decision.
This campsite is situated in the wood surrounded by giant oak trees. It’s a beautiful location surrounded by nature and close proximity to the village of Brockenhurst.
Facilities: toilets/showers, pets welcome, grass pitches only, no electricity
Price: £15-42
2. Alridge Hill
This campsite is located between Blackwater stream and Ober water, so the location is ideal if you’re looking for something calming. The campsite is two minute drive away from Brockenhurst.
Facilities: no toilets/showers, grass only pitches, no accessible facilities, no electricity
Price: £9-26
This campsite is slightly further afield but still only a 30 minute walk to Brockenhurst. It’s great for children with family specific areas that are safe for children to play and lots of facilities.
Facilities: WiFi, showers/toilets, electric hook-ups, family areas
Price: £19-33
4. Setthorns
This campsite is in a completely secluded location in the forest. It is, however, not walking distance from Brockenhurst so not ideal if you plan to walk everywhere.
Facilities: no toilets/showers, electric hook-ups available
Price: £11-30
5. Black Knowl Caravan Club Site
This site is open only to Caravan Club members but is in a perfect forest setting within walking distance of Brockenhurst. The site opens into 140 miles of walking tracks so is great for those walkers out there.
Facilities: electric hook-ups, motorhome service point, laundry facilities, WiFi, disabled shower rooms, dog walks from site
Price: £8-18
